Baggage Blues Solved: Comparing European Airlines’ Luggage Policies & Fees

Introduction

Navigating airline baggage policies can be the most stressful part of trip planning. European carriers have particularly varied rules that can make or break your travel budget. This guide examines checked baggage allowances, cabin luggage dimensions, excess fees, and special policies across 8 major European airlines to help you pack smarter and avoid surprise charges.

Detailed Airline Comparisons

1. Lufthansa (Germany)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg bag included in Economy, 2×32kg in Business
• Cabin baggage: 1×8kg (55×40×23cm) + 1 personal item
• Excess fees: €50-200 depending on route, oversize items €200+
• Special notes: Free sports equipment allowance (surfboards, skis)

2. Air France (France)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg (Europe), 2×23kg (long-haul) in Economy
• Cabin baggage: 1×12kg (55×35×25cm) + 1 accessory
• Excess fees: €50-380; €100-400 for overweight (>32kg)
• Special notes: Musical instruments treated as special baggage

3. Ryanair (Ireland)

• Checked baggage: None included (paid options: 10kg/20kg/25kg)
• Cabin baggage: 1×10kg (40×20×25cm) – strict size enforcement
• Excess fees: €11/kg at airport, €25 online for priority (10kg cabin bag)
• Special notes: No free changes to baggage after booking

4. British Airways (UK)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg (short-haul), 2×23kg (long-haul)
• Cabin baggage: 1×23kg (56×45×25cm) + 1 laptop/handbag
• Excess fees: £25-65 per extra bag, £100+ for overweight
• Special notes: Tiered benefits for frequent flyers

5. KLM (Netherlands)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg (Europe), 2×23kg (intercontinental)
• Cabin baggage: 1×12kg (55×35×25cm) + 1 personal item
• Excess fees: €50-250; €300+ for oversized items
• Special notes: “Flying Blue” members get extra allowance

6. easyJet (UK)

• Checked baggage: None included (paid 15kg/23kg options)
• Cabin baggage: 1 underseat bag (45×36×20cm) only for basic fares
• Excess fees: £12/kg at airport, £5-48 for pre-booked hold luggage
• Special notes: “Hands-free” cabin bag service available

7. Iberia (Spain)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg (Europe), 2×23kg (Americas)
• Cabin baggage: 1×10kg (56×40×25cm) + 1 small item
• Excess fees: €60-150; €200+ for overweight (>32kg)
• Special notes: Discounts for online baggage purchase

8. Swiss International (Switzerland)

• Checked baggage: 1×23kg (Europe), 2×23kg (long-haul)
• Cabin baggage: 1×8kg (55×40×23cm) + 1 accessory
• Excess fees: CHF 70-200; special items require approval
• Special notes: Generous ski/snowboard equipment policy

Comparison Table

AirlineIncluded Checked BaggageCabin AllowanceExcess Fee RangeSpecial FeaturesLufthansa1×23kg1+1€50-200Free sports gearRyanairNone1 strict€11-25/kgNo free changesBritish1-2×23kg1+1£25-100Tier benefits

Pro Tips

1. Measure twice: Use a tape measure for cabin bags – budget airlines enforce dimensions rigidly.
2. Pre-pay online: Save up to 60% vs. airport baggage fees.
3. Check equipment policies: Ski/surfboard fees vary wildly (€0-150).
4. Weigh at home: Airport scales may differ from yours by 1-2kg.
5. Combine allowances: Families can pool checked luggage weight on most full-service airlines.

Conclusion

While legacy carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways include generous baggage allowances, budget airlines optimize profits through strict fees. Always verify policies when booking connecting flights with different carriers, as the most restrictive rules typically apply.